The Ukrainian community in Halifax rallied to ensure 25-year-old Karina Brydnya received a “dignified farewell” after her unexpected death in early January. Brydnya died without immediate family present in Nova Scotia – or even in the country.
Community Steps In After Visa Delays
Brydnya’s mother and sister remain in Ukraine, and were unable to secure visas in time to travel to Nova Scotia following her death, a situation attributed to the ongoing war in Ukraine. With no family locally to arrange funeral services, community members launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs of Brydnya’s funeral, cremation, and eventual repatriation.
Maryna Horobets, head of the Nova Scotia branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), explained that while she did not personally know Brydnya, she has assisted with similar repatriation efforts in the past and understands the complexities involved. Repatriation requires extensive documentation, translation services, and can be financially burdensome for grieving families.
Challenges of International Repatriation
The process in Brydnya’s case is further complicated by the ongoing investigation into the cause of her death by the medical examiner’s office. “We’re still waiting for some documents, because without the conclusion of the medical examiner’s office, we cannot get her full death certificate,” Horobets said.
Kollin Weatherbee, a funeral director in Sydney, Nova Scotia, confirmed that locating family members can often take days, delaying the necessary paperwork and travel arrangements. “The families are devastated that the person has passed away. And then the fact that they may have to wait two to three [weeks], even longer, before they may see the person or have the ashes returned to them, just expands on the grief process,” he said.
Weatherbee explained that transporting remains involves specific procedures and costs, differing between full-body repatriation and the transport of ashes. While transporting ashes is relatively straightforward with proper documentation, full-body repatriation requires embalming, specialized containers, and significant expense.
Family’s Decision and Community Support
Due to the anticipated delays in returning Brydnya’s body to Ukraine, and a cultural preference for burial, her family has opted for cremation following the medical examiner’s report. Brydnya’s ashes will be transported to Ukraine by her former mother-in-law. The Halifax Ukrainian community has gathered to remember Brydnya and ensure her memory lives on, with many attending her funeral to offer condolences and share memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the delay in Brydnya’s family being able to travel to Nova Scotia?
Brydnya’s mother and sister live in Ukraine and were unable to obtain visas in time to travel to Nova Scotia due to the ongoing war in the country.
What is being done to return Brydnya’s remains to Ukraine?
Brydnya’s family has decided to cremate her remains. Her ashes will be transported to Ukraine by her former mother-in-law.
What challenges are involved in international repatriation?
Repatriation requires numerous documents, translation services, can take a long time, and is often costly. The process is further complicated when the cause of death is still under investigation.
How often do you see communities rally to support families facing such difficult circumstances?
